THE LAST MALE DESCENDANT OF ROBERT BURNS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8986, 17 September 1892, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE LAST MALE DESCENDANT OF ROBERT BURNS.

AN APPEAL.

Mr. John Muir, editor of " Annual Burns Chronicle," writes to us from 48, Abbotsford Place, Glasgow :—Some time ago I drew attention to the fact that Mr. Robert Burns Hutchinson, who resides in Chicago, is struggling bravely aguinst adverse fortune and bud health to secure a livelihood for himself, his wife, and infant son. It was in hopes that some of our influential countrymen in America would feel interested in this gentleman, and take a pleasure in furthering his interests, not merely on account of his parentage, but as a person who had a claim to their sympathy, being a stranger in a land in which he is compelled to reside on account of his health'. The sad accident which happened to him last month makes it imperative that immediate action should be taken, whereby a little practical service may be the means of savins: the life of the last surviving male descendant of Robert Burns. Returning homo from business on the night of the 7th ult., Mr. Hutchinson was attacked by footpads, robbed of his watch, money, and some of his wearing apparel, brutally maltreated, and thrown into a hole and left for dead. After lying in a state of unconsciousness for two hours, he so far recovered as to be able to struggle out and take a cab home. On reaching his house he became insensible from the loss of blood, and has not yet recovered consciousness. A despatch before me, dated June 25, states that he is little improved. The doctor being called in, it was found there were two wounds in the head; his left eye is also injured, and it is feared inflammation' of the brain has resulted from a fracture on the scull. His life is despaired of, and bis survival up to now has greatly surprisedj his medical attendants. Should' he live it will be a long time before he is able to do anything, and his young wife and infant son are thus left to the charity of his countrymen. Could something not be done? Will none of our Caledonian and other societies in Chicago help this distressed family ? Will none of our Burns enthusiasts at home do ever eo little to smooth the way for this poor, suffering man ? I have opened a subscription sheet with my own small mite, and shall gladly receive, and acknowledge through this paper, subscriptions from those who are willing to help.